Conflict
Referenced in 79 chapter analyses
Walk these chapters over 30 days — the corpus’s own order, divided. Not a curated plan.
Overview
Conflict in the Bible often arises from human sin, differing values, and misunderstandings. It serves as a backdrop for God's redemptive work and the call for reconciliation among believers.
Throughout biblical history, conflicts arise in various forms, from interpersonal disputes (e.g., Cain and Abel, Genesis 4) to national conflicts (e.g., Israel and surrounding nations). The New Testament emphasizes conflict resolution within the church community.
Key themes
- Reconciliation
- Forgiveness
- Peacemaking
- The Nature of Sin
Key verses
- Matthew 18:15Jesus provides a clear process for addressing conflict within the church, emphasizing direct communication and restoration.
- Romans 12:18Paul encourages believers to live at peace with everyone, indicating the proactive nature of conflict resolution.
Notable passages
- Matthew 5:23-24Jesus teaches that reconciliation with a brother is more important than offering a gift at the altar, highlighting the priority of resolving conflict.
- James 4:1-2James addresses the source of conflicts, attributing them to desires that battle within individuals, emphasizing the need for inner transformation.
- 2 Corinthians 5:18-19Paul speaks of the ministry of reconciliation, indicating that through Christ, believers are called to reconcile with one another and with God.
Practical applications
- Engage in honest and loving communication to resolve conflicts.
- Practice forgiveness as a means of healing relationships.
- Seek to be a peacemaker in both personal and communal contexts.
Theological significance
- Conflict reveals the fallen nature of humanity and the need for redemption.
- The call to reconciliation reflects God's character and His desire for unity among His people.
- Conflict resolution is a practical outworking of the gospel, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ.
Connected topics
- Forgiveness
Conflict resolution is deeply tied to the theme of forgiveness, as believers are called to forgive one another as Christ forgave them (Ephesians 4:32).
- Peacemaking
The Beatitudes in Matthew 5:9 highlight the blessedness of peacemakers, linking the resolution of conflict to the character of God.
- Shibboleth
The use of Shibboleth in Judges reflects the tensions and divisions that can arise within communities, particularly in times of strife.
Chapters that reference this
Old Testament
- Genesis 14Key Events
- Genesis 25Cross-References
- Genesis 26Key Events · Study Questions
- Genesis 27Cross-References
- Genesis 31Key Figures
- Genesis 34Cross-References · Geography
- Genesis 36Cross-References · Geography
- Genesis 37Study Questions
- Exodus 23Geography
- Numbers 20Geography
- Numbers 21Linguistic Insights
- Numbers 31Linguistic Insights
- Judges 8Key Figures · Symbolism
- Judges 9Key Figures
- Judges 10Key Figures
- Judges 11Geography · Historical Context · Key Figures
- Judges 12Cross-References · Geography · Key Events · Key Figures · Linguistic Insights · Symbolism · Theological Insights
- Judges 14Cross-References · Key Figures
- Judges 15Key Figures · Study Questions
- Judges 16Geography
- Judges 20Linguistic Insights
- 1 Samuel 4Geography
- 1 Samuel 6Geography
- 1 Samuel 14Key Figures
- 1 Samuel 18Cross-References
- 1 Samuel 28Geography · Symbolism
- 1 Samuel 29Geography · Key Figures · Symbolism
- 1 Samuel 30Geography
- 1 Samuel 31Linguistic Insights · Symbolism
- 2 Samuel 2Cross-References · Geography · Key Events · Study Questions · Symbolism · Theological Insights
- 2 Samuel 3Geography
- 2 Samuel 4Geography
- 2 Samuel 10Cross-References · Geography · Key Events · Study Questions · Themes · Theological Insights
- 2 Samuel 11Geography
- 2 Samuel 12Geography
- 2 Samuel 13Cross-References · Geography
- 2 Samuel 14Study Questions · Symbolism
- 2 Samuel 21Cross-References
- 1 Kings 14Key Events
- 1 Kings 15Geography · Key Events · Linguistic Insights · Study Questions
- 1 Kings 16Geography
- 1 Kings 20Geography
- 1 Kings 22Key Figures
- 2 Kings 12Key Events
- 2 Kings 14Cross-References · Geography · Key Figures · Study Questions
- 2 Kings 18Cross-References
- 1 Chronicles 10Key Events
- 1 Chronicles 14Cross-References
- 1 Chronicles 19Geography · Key Events · Key Figures · Themes
- 2 Chronicles 16Geography · Key Figures
- 2 Chronicles 18Geography
- 2 Chronicles 21Geography
- 2 Chronicles 25Geography
- 2 Chronicles 26Geography
- 2 Chronicles 28Geography
- Esther 3Theological Insights
- Job 6Geography
- Job 22Geography
- Psalms 3Key Figures
- Psalms 60Geography
- Psalms 83Geography
- Psalms 108Geography
- Psalms 120Cross-References · Geography · Study Questions · Themes · Theological Insights
- Proverbs 26Cross-References
- Isaiah 14Geography
- Isaiah 15Cross-References
- Jeremiah 41Geography
- Ezekiel 35Cross-References
- Daniel 8Theological Insights
- Daniel 10Linguistic Insights
- Daniel 11Geography · Key Events · Key Figures · Themes
- Amos 7Cross-References